Abstract:
This research was aimed at proposing future goals for Prince of Songkla University by analyzing existing data concerning the university, compiling the views of experts outside the university and comparing these views with those of experts within the university. The research findings are as follows. Socio-economic and political circumstances were found to have affected the university development. Such input as students, the teaching staff and the university budget was rated as being on a fair level whereas buildings and facilities were said to be on a good level. Most problems were found to be rooted in processesespecially those in administrative systems, for example, the personnal administrative system, the financial system, and the academic administrative system. Such systems created conditions that contributed to the lack of smoothness in trying to reach proposed goals. Although the number of graduates was satisfactory, it did not correspond to government policy and social needs. The amount of research was low. Work concerning educational services and the preservation and promotion of art and culture was not fully implemented. Based on the above information, the following future goals are proposed for Prince of Songkla University. More graduate studies should be offeredwith special emphasis upon fields that relate to science and technology since these two fields are particularly important to the society today. Such studies should aim at acceptable quality. Intellectual development should be emphasized for students; they should be encouraged to be inquiring and encouraged to search for knowledge and its applicability. Concerning the teaching staff, there should be a more efficient recruiting procedure. Faculty research should focus on applicability for social benefit. Educational services should be expanded. While the budget supported by the government is limited, the university should have clear goals in order to economically capitalize upon the existing resources and those to be acquired. Internal systems should be effectively developed so as to enhance administration. Another important point is that the public relations system should be competent in informing the public of news, data, and movements concerning the university so that the public can have an opportunity to evaluate the university.